youth sports conference

“The Youth Sports Congress is a great event to network and get up-to-date on the trends and issues in youth sports. We got a lot of new ideas this year and it’s good to see what other organizations are doing to improve their sports. Also, the people you meet at Congress are a great resource when you have a question. It’s easy to just send a quick email since you know them now and it’s not as awkward to ask for information or a favor.”

Miste Adams, Recreation Superintendent,National Trail Parks and Recreation District, Springfield, OH
“From my first experience I realized that attending Congress is something that is instrumental in my profession and every year I learn something new. The trends change and you get to meet more people in the industry that really helps me grow personally and professionally.”

Brent Mosbacher, Recreation Coordinator, City of Novato, Novato, CA
“Being military, attending the NAYS Youth Sports Congress is a nice way to get involved with the outside non-military youth sports organizations. To see what they are doing in their programs is a wonderful experience.”

Angie Gadomski, Youth Sports and Fitness Director, Ellsworth Air Force Base, Piedmont, SD
“I did not know so many other people loved kids like we did and it’s great to see and meet a bunch of individuals who love youth sports like we do.”

Roderick Mitchell, Coach, Brown Missionary Baptist Church, Southaven, MS
“I have never been to a conference that gives as much bang for your buck as NAYS Youth Sports Congress!”

Becky Shaddle, Athletic Director, Mercer Island Boys & Girls Club, Mercer Island, WA
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Early-bird registration for the 2022 NAYS Youth Sports Congress is now open!

NAYS Youth Sports Congress Overview

Each year the NAYS Youth Sports Congress is the premiere educational experience for youth sports administrators! This comprehensive training experience is the #1 conference specifically dedicated to youth sports professionals.

The NAYS Youth Sports Congress attracts youth sports professionals and administrators, park and recreation staff who works with children and youth in any capacity, military sports staff, students and others to discuss cutting edge topics in the field of youth sports.

The NAYS Youth Sports Congress is open to any and all youth sports administrators although the entire event is designed for Certified Youth Sports Administrators (CYSAs) to stay up to date with a wide range of informative subjects and hot topics in youth sports, plus CYSAs attend to maintain their certification by earning continuing education.

As a bonus, attendees who have yet to get certified can earn their CYSA designation by registering through NAYS as a General Youth Sports Congress registrant! General registration includes all NAYS and AB sessions PLUS an opportunity to earn the CYSA credential by attending a bonus session in Orlando followed by access to the Online Academy for Youth Sports Administrators to complete the certification process.

For many years, NAYS has co-located at the annual Athletic Business Show - the leading educational event and trade show for athletic, fitness and recreation professionals for more than three decades. By co-locating, attendees participate in all NAYS and AB educational sessions, keynotes, expo and more. Last year, the 2021 NAYS Youth Sports Congress was held in-person during the AB Show in San Antonio, TX. This year, the 2022 NAYS Youth Sports Congress at the AB Show will take place in Orlando, FL at the Orange County Convention Center starting on November 16, 2022.

NAYS will also offer the 2022 NAYS Virtual Congress to ensure that anyone and everyone can participate in the valuable educational and networking experience! The Virtual event will include the recorded and live sessions, roundtable discussions and will premiere December 13 – 15, 2022. Attendees will have continuous access to the Virtual Congress for 60 days to ensure that attendees can participate in all sessions! NAYS registrants who attend the NAYS Congress/AB Show in Orlando will also receive a bonus ticket to participate in the NAYS Virtual Congress. The Virtual Congress registration will open later this summer. 


Why should you attend?

FOR NEW ATTENDEES:

  1. Learn and Grow – As a first-time NAYS attendee you have the great opportunity to participate in the Youth Sports Congress plus the AB Show with existing CYSAs and expand your youth sports knowledge. Educational sessions are specifically designed to provide practical information about topics affecting youth sports today!

  2. Get Certified - Become a CYSA! – The General NAYS Registration option includes participation in the special Academy session during the NAYS Congress followed by 60-day access to the Online NAYS Academy to complete the certification process to ultimately earn the Certified Youth Sports Administrator (CYSA) credential.

  3. Experience the Entire Event – The NAYS Youth Sports Congress general registration includes access to all educational sessions (NAYS and AB), the keynote presentations, the NAYS national awards celebration, receptions, the AB Expo and more!

  4. Networking – Join other new attendees as well as long-time CYSAs and other professionals in our field to learn about other communities and youth sports related topics happening around the country.

FOR RETURNING ATTENDEES:

  1. Educational Sessions – As a returning attendee, you already know that the Congress and Athletic Business Show sessions can provide practical, cutting-edge information to you, your organization and your community to improve youth sports in today’s changing landscape.

  2. Award Session and Keynotes – The NAYS National Awards presentation provides attendees with a chance to learn about stellar programs and individuals! And the AB Show always provides fantastic well-known keynote speakers for all attendees to enjoy.

  3. Earn Continuing Education and SAVE – By attending the wide variety of sessions, you can earn continuing education hours to maintain your NAYS CYSA credential for another two years. Continuing education processing fees are always included in your CYSA registration! After the in-person or Virtual Congress, you will receive a digital Activity Log and your CYSA will be updated with no processing fees to reflect the documented hours earned.

  4. Exhibit Hall – In-person attendees will visit with more than 250+ manufacturers at the Athletic Business Show. You can find the latest equipment and services to help your organization move forward and grow.

  5. Networking – We have also planned some interactive sessions to allow participants to take advantage of our special networking opportunities for learning, sharing information and building camaraderie with youth sports professionals from other communities.